We love to go over there and have a Starbucks while browsing the magazines and books.

Well, I happened to pick up the newest copy of Consumer Reports and, guess what?

Their top pick for compact digital cameras was the Canon PowerShot SX110 IS!

Of course, that was not a shock to me. Rather, it was verification of what I have already reported in a couple of articles I have recently written, as well as on my website.

Users are pretty darn consistent in knowing what they like and what is quality. The buyers who have returned to their online store to leave feedback have let us know that they really like the Canon PowerShot SX200 IS.. to the tune of an average rating of 4.++ out of 5 at Amazon.com.

Just though you would like to know :=)

In fact, Panasonic makes some great Digital Compact cameras.

Their newest King of the Compact Hill may be the Lumix DMC-ZS3. It is the replacement (after only one year) of the TZ5. Now, the TZ5 is still a great camera, and one that I endorse as a terrific “pocket/all purpose” camera.
But the newest siblings are making a run for the top.

Upgrades from the TZ5?

Glad you asked.

First, the new ZS3 has more “zoom” at 12x. It is wider on the short side, and longer on the long side. Image quality is still first in its class (according to DPReview.com). Also, the video mode has been improved to include AVCHD along with the original Quicktime capture technology. The new technology takes less storage space and renders the movies in a cleaner, smoother playback mode.

But wait, this is supposed to be about the ZS3 vs ZS1.

There is a big difference in the price tag. ZS1 is over 100 smackers less than its snooty cousin. (Can I thow in here that the TZ5 is less than either of the new cameras?)

The ZS1 has the same image quality, zoom (12x), and image sensor.
Video mode on the ZS1 is quite different.. the capture is standard definition video up to 848×480 pixels with mono sound, and does NOT include AVCHD.
The LCD on the ZS1 is only 2.7″ vs 3.0 on the ZS3, and LCD image quality is lower at 230,000 pixels vs 460,000 pixels.

Well, which is the best buy? Many folks are going for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3, but those who have purchased the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 have not been disappointed. The users ratings on Amazon and DPReview.com are as high as the TZ5 ratings.
Read more at www.digital-photographic-resources.com.
All 3 cameras are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

The ratings I’m referring to are from those who have actually purchased and used the camera on a day-to-day basis.

I value the input of users like me and you. OK, I value the camera geeks’ ratings too, but they are not every day users who have trouble figuring out how to change settings away from total camera control to, let’s say, a higher Aperture. Don’t know what an Aperture is? See, that’s what I’m talkin’ about.

So, I look at the user ratings at places like Amazon, B&H Photo, and DPReview to see what the real users think of a camera. If there are no ratings, I pretty much steer clear of that product. Or, if there are a bunch of folks who didn’t like the way the camera handled, I might think twice about making the purchase.

But the Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ5.. practically everyone who ordered it (and took time to post a review) LOVED it!

And, I’m just gonna throw in my personal favorite here. It’s the Canon Powershot SX110 IS.

Research shows that the family that takes pictures of each other while enjoying fun activities stays together. (I just made that up, but it must be true.)

I have been finding out so much about digital cameras of late, that I’m compiling all this information on a new web site: digital-photographic-resources.com. It has a nice ring to it, huh? Hope you stop by.
Wayne